Meriden HHS Urges Residents To Take Steps To Prevent Lyme Disease, Other Tick-Borne Illnesses

From the City of Meriden:

May 20, 2021

Warmer weather is here, and the Meriden Department of Health and Human Services is urging residents to take steps to prevent Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterial infection transmitted to humans by the bite of infected blacklegged (deer) tick. In addition to Lyme disease, deer ticks can also carry other viruses as well.

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) reports they are seeing above-average tick activity and is monitoring 4 new species of ticks.

Lyme disease is a significant public health problem but there are preventative measures that can be taken to prevent tick-borne diseases.

Lyme disease can be difficult to detect because once infected, it could take days to months for symptoms to develop. Anyone who has been bitten or has been in a tick-infested area and later develops a rash or flu-like symptoms – muscle aches, fatigue, or fever – should contact their physician immediately.

PERSONAL PROTECTION:

• Avoid tall grass and over-grown, brushy areas.
• Wear light-colored protective clothing while outdoors and use insect repellent containing DEET.
• Examine yourself, your children, and pets for ticks when returning indoors.

LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT:

• Keep grass mowed − Remove leaf litter, brush, and tall weeds from around the home and at the lawn’s edge. Move firewood, and birdhouses and feeders away from the home.

PET MANAGEMENT:

• Avoid access to areas with leaf litter, brush, and tall weeds and check pets for ticks when they come indoors.
• Check with your veterinarian regarding methods to protect your pet from tick bites.

For additional information on Lyme disease, visit DPH's Lyme disease webpage.

This press release was produced by the City of Meriden. The views expressed here are the author’s own.